Zuchon

Like many of the designer crossbreeds, the Zuchon originated in the United States in a quest to find a small companion dog that didn’t shed and that would fit into any family’s lifestyle no matter how small their home and garden.

To understand more about the origin of the breed requires an understanding of the two breeds that go into the formation of the Zuchon

Shih Tzu

Country of Origin: China

The Shih Tzu we know and love today is itself an ancient crossbreed having been created within the walls of the Forbidden City in the 17th century from crossing the Lhasa Apso from the monasteries of Tibet with an early form of the Pekinese.

The resulting dogs, called Lhasa Lion Dogs, remained hidden away from the eyes of the West until the 20th century when the Peking Kennel Club was formed and the Lhasa Lion Dogs were shown for the first time alongside the Lhasa Apso.

It wasn’t until the 1930s that these dogs found their way to England and once again they were shown alongside the Lhasa Apso but it was clear they were quite different, and so the types that had the rounder skull and short muzzle became known as the Shih Tzu and a breed in their own right.

Bichon Frise

Country of Origin: Spain

This is a fairly old breed who by the 16th century had found popularity in the Spanish courts. They originated on the island of Tenerife, where they were known originally as the Barbichon which means Little Barbet. The Barbet was a local water spaniel and it is thought that the Bichon Frise was a cross between these working dogs and smaller Spanish lapdogs of the time.

The Bichon Frise (then called the Bichon Tenerife) remained popular in the Spanish courts right through to the 19th century and even captivated the hearts of the French nobility as well. For some reason however they fell out of favour and they went from being dogs of nobility to being largely circus performers. Thankfully their appealing looks and their trainability meant that they excelled, finding a performing niche for themselves until French and Belgian breeders took an interest in them and worked to re-establish the breed and renamed them Bichon à Poil Frisé which means the bichon with the curly coat.

The Zuchon can have any combination of the two breeds in their appearance, behaviour and temperament.

The Zuchon will be happy with half an hour to an hour walking each day, plus plenty of games and owner interaction.

This is a small dog who can happily live in a flat or a smaller property. As long as they have access to the outdoors for toileting and walks, they’ll be ready to call it home.

The fast metabolism of toy dogs is present in the Zuchon as well. This means they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

It’s important to make sure their diet includes the right balance of all the main nutrient groups. Make sure you conduct regular body condition scores to check that your dog is in shape and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

The Zuchon coat can be quite high maintenance depending what coat type they inherit. They may or may not shed. If they do, it is likely to be in clumps of hair rather than lots of short ones! They may also mat.

Find a good local groomer who can either look after your Zuchon’s coat or teach you how to do it yourself as their coat develops.

The Zuchon is a clever dog who will enjoy learning tricks and should be trained to walk on a lead and harness, as well as come back when called. If the Bichon trainability is inherited, this cross can be surprisingly trainable.

The Zuchon makes a fun companion but as they are small and rather delicate, especially as puppies. They suit families with older sensible children. They can happily live with cats and other small dogs.